The document discusses strategies for improving classroom observations and enhancing teacher professional development at the High Schools That Work (HSTW) staff development conference. Key strategies include clear communication of goals, prioritizing conversations over mere observations, and aligning evaluations with professional learning. Challenges faced by educators include time constraints and uncertainties in providing constructive feedback.

1. Teacher Reflection and Growth
through Classroom Observations
High Schools That Work (HSTW)
Staff Development Conference
Atlanta, GA
July 17, 2015
Tysza Gandha
Senior Research Associate

2. Focus Groups with educators

3. 3

5. “Teachers can see their strengths and
weak areas…and have a roadmap for
how to reach higher.”
“I like reflecting on where I am and
where I want to be.”
“My admin asked a lot of tough but
good questions.”

6. “It takes so much time…I don’t know
how to do it all.”
“Sometimes I feel I don’t know what
feedback to give.”
“My admin met with me for less than
five minutes, just asked me to sign and
asked if I am happy with my score.”

7. Participant introductions
- Your school or district or state
- Your role
- Your goal(s) for classroom
observations
- Your biggest challenge(s) with
classroom observations

8. Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact
1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction
2) Focus on conversations as much as observations
3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and
school improvement

9. Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact
1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction
2) Focus on conversations as much as observations
3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and
school improvement

11. What’s your observation system called?

12. “I keep telling my teachers they are going
to be alright…This process is to help you
be more effective.”
“We are told ‘we don’t live in Exemplary
and only visit there,’ but why can’t we be
exemplary?”

13. Participant discussion
Thinking about your communication
about classroom observations,
- What’s going well?
- What could you do differently?

14. Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact
1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction
2) Focus on conversations as much as observations
3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and
school improvement

16. Go to todaysmeet.com/growya
What have YOU found
challenging about
observation-related
conversations?

17. Tips for creating more time
- A school schedule and team structure that
“make the most of existing resources”
- “Focusing is deciding what NOT to do.”

18. Tips for improving instructional conversations
- Get feedback on your feedback
- Get better with practice

19. From NC Dept of Public Instruction

20. Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact
1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction
2) Focus on conversations as much as observations
3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and
school improvement

21. Tips for supporting teacher learning
- What we know about adult
learning: problem-based,
situated, social
- Increase opportunities for
teachers to learn from one
another
ALF 5/1/15 Baxter & Gandha 21

22. - How are observation data being used for
- Teacher professional growth plans
- Team/department/PLC plans
- Schoolwide improvement plans
Tips for aligning teacher and school improvement

23. For more information:
Tysza Gandha
Senior Research Associate
Tysza.Gandha@sreb.org
(704) 559-9917
www.sreb.org/ee
Thank you!